Electro Bike Assist
I've stopped by the Sharper Image store and looked at this motor. Here's few things I found out:
- Even though the box talks about "belt drive", it's actually a friction drive.
They say that the motor is not affected by the weather - I am not sure how that
can be.
- The motor attaches to the steering wheel via quick release mechanism. They say it takes
20 seconds to install (!). If this is indeed the case, this opens a room for new possibilities.
For example, you can keep this motor handy in a car, together with a folding bike. Then, depending on where
you are going, you can ride your bike the normal way or quickly add the motor.
- Another name of this engine is Zeta III - not sure if it's related to the older
Zeta motors.
- The box says it will not work with bikes that have front suspension - unfortunate,
since two of my main bikes do have it.
25 Aug 2000
More findings:
- This motor *is* related to the original Zeta - it is also designed by the
Sinclair Research of U.K. It is distributed by the
Excalibur Electronics and manufactured in China.
- The motor is meant to be used as pedal assist only - in fact, the manual states
that if you try to ride using the motor power only, it may trip the safety feature and
disconnect for a minute.
- Headlight is integrated into the unit - pretty good idea!
|